MAY ATTENDANCE IN SUMTER COUNTY SCHOOLS REMAINS AT 96%Since system-wide attendance record-keeping was begun in 2006, Sumter County Schools has maintained a 96% or higher annual report. In 2011, each school in the school district reported a 95% or higher attendance number. "These good numbers are all about awareness of the importance of school attendance; the courts are holding parents and caregivers more responsible. Since there are mandates from the state and local governments in compliance with ‘No Child Left Behind,' our attendance numbers continue to improve," said Coach Green.The May 2011 School District Report reported that there were 1,233 Excused Absences for the month and 4,741 unexcused absences for the same period. Also for May, there were 297 Excused Tardies and 4,553 Un-Excused Tardies.Beginning in the next school year, Coach Green says that he will increase his one-on-one visitation and attendance discussion with all school administrators. "We must continue to make students more aware of the need to attend school each day. These high numbers are not acceptable. Both the students and parents must understand the importance of daily attendance to school," said Green.Since 2006, Sarah Cobb Elementary and Sumter County Elementary report a 97% number for the six-year period. Sumter County Primary School, Cherokee Elementary School, Sumter County Middle School, Staley Middle School and Americus-Sumter High South Campus report a 96% attendance record. Americus-Sumter High North Campus, the freshman academy, reports a 95% record for the time period.

Here, Coach Green and Dr. Brooks discuss the recently released attendance reports for May 2011.